Family helps make SunUp ARC's merger anniversary celebration a 'hit'

Thank you to the Edden family for volunteering their time to help make this a true celebration.

Noreen Davis

VERO BEACH - On March 31, 2012, Sun Up Center and Abilities Resource Center merged to become SunUp ARC.

For the first time in the history of Indian River County, two non-profit organizations with similar missions merged into one enhanced agency. On April 4 SunUp ARC celebrated its one year anniversary of the merger.

Executive Director Chuck Bradley said, "The past year has definitely been an exciting one. Since the merger we have grown from 120 individuals to 180. We have been able to expand and improve existing programs and create new ones. Thanks to a grant from the John's Island Foundation, last fall we were able to start a Youth Outreach Program for individuals age 15 to 22. Last summer the City of Vero Beach, the City of Sebastian and the Indian River County Commissioners all passed proclamations that the month of July be proclaimed Non-Profit Organizations Unite Month, in honor of The Sun Up Center and ARC merging to become SunUp ARC. We are very proud of what we have accomplished this past year."

The clients of SunUp ARC all agreed that the highlight of the day was getting to meet the Edden Family. Consisting of Mom, Dad and their seven children, they sang, danced, played a multitude of musical instruments and entertained to a full house. We sincerely thank them for volunteering their time to help make this a memorable day.

"The merger of two non-profit agencies serving similar client needs reached a most successful one year anniversary this week. Thank you and congratulations to Chuck Bradley, Executive Director for his vision and tenacity to achieve these goals. I would be remiss not to mention the Board Chairs Mary Beth Vallar and Reese Brackins and Board members who worked together as a team to manage the merger of two separate Board of Directors. This year has seen many positive changes all to the better and the exceptional love of service to the special needs in our community. The ability to pool resources and target fundraising will carry through for years to come and should be an example to other organizations of what many hearts and hands can accomplish" stated Carol Jean Jordan.

SunUp ARC operates on three campuses, two in Vero Beach and one in Sebastian. For information on SunUp ARC, please call 772-562-6854, ext 219.

This story is contributed by a member of the community and is neither endorsed nor affiliated with TCPalm.